Review of The Rose Garden

The Rose Garden

Susanna Kearsley

Sourcebooks Landmark

ISBN 9781402258589

   Eva Ward returns to the old house on the Cornish coast after her sister dies to spread her ashes. Some of her sisters fondest memories are there so, Eva feels it is only fitting to lay her to rest where she would be the happiest. Shortly after her arrival, she begins to hear voices from the room next door to her bedroom. The only problem, there is no one in the room. Or is there?

   As the days go by, strange things happen and the voices that Eva hears are truly there. She ends up being swept back into the eighteenth century to a time of a dethroned king and she becomes entwined in the lives of the Butler brothers. Each time she goes back in time, she begins to realize, she no longer feels at home in her own time; but chasing the past can be a dangerous thing to do.

   This book is an absolutely fantastic read. Once I started, I could not put it down. This book has mystery, romance and time travel. Three of my most favorite things. The author takes the heroine flawlessly from the present day back to the past and forward again. Eva never knows when and where she will leave. I found it rare to read a time travel book where the traveler goes back and forth that the transition is so flawless. It just happens here and is done with perfect timing. There is an underlying romance that develops that just seems to simmer under the surface and you wait for it to explode. Next to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, I have never encountered a romance that just leaves you wanting more.

   The heroine is not a super strong woman; but she fits the bill. Our hero, Daniel, is not your drop dead gorgeous kind of guy; but he has a sex appeal that draws you to him. He has traits that a woman cannot help but fall in love with. He is devoted, loving, caring, and loyal to a fault. This is one hauntingly, romantic story and I can't recommend it highly enough. I have never read this author before, but I most definitely will again. I for one hope that we may see more of this pair and the love that has crossed all boundaries of understanding. Tine and destiny await no man.

   I wish to thank Sourcebooks for providing me with a copy for reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to review.

I give The Rose Garden 5 out of 5 stars